Vilakazi admits that he will miss Stars
Nhlanhla Vilakazi admits that a part of him is sad to leave Free State Stars but the midfielder reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring they finish strong.
Vilakazi will be leaving the Free State side after signing a pre-contract with AmaZulu. The 31-year-old has played an instrumental role in Stars’ current season that has exceeded all expectations.
Ea Lla Koto are having their best season in years as they are currently fourth in the Premiership with 37 points from 24 games. “I don’t want to lie, Stars have been really good to me and it was a difficult decision, but you know that is football,” the Stars vice-captain told Sowetan.
“I will try my best to make sure that as a team we do well in our remaining games in the league and cup. There were other offers on the table but AmaZulu was best for me.” Stars are through to the Nedbank Cup semifinals where they will face Kaizer Chiefs later this month.
But before that cup tie they will take on Amakhosi in the league at Goble Park tonight (7.30pm).
“It will be two big games for us at an important stage of the season. At this point every game is difficult so we will do our best.” With the rumour mill linking Stars coach Luc Eymael with the Chiefs coaching job, Vilakazi insists that it has not negatively affected the team.
“As a team our focus has been on playing well and not on rumours.
“We are professionals and understand that things happen in football.” Having worked with both Eymael and Komphela (at Maritzburg United), the midfield anchor says it is difficult to compare the two coaches.
“They have different styles and have their own football philosophies. But what I can say it that they are both top coaches.”
In their first round clash, Chiefs and Stars shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw in November.